The worldbuilding
Nostalgia for places and eras you’ve never been to, yet visited countless times in your head. This notion brings forth the quote by the Principal of Hogwarts in Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, “Of course, it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” (Rowling, 2007)
Similarly, it’s not too far-fetched to claim that the most potent of feelings is that of Nostalgia; the time portal that opens up upon a singular sniff of a perfume from childhood, a reminder of a corner in the city you frequented as a twenty-something that is now just a liminal space hanging in the void of development, and the most real of these reminisces is that of finding familiarity in a new film you’re watching for the first time, or a book you happened to read at the airport.
Once pored over, one could declare that every string of these emotions springs from the quality of detail in certain scenes that extend beyond storytelling; they are architectural details that add soul to the cinematic or literary endeavor.
The following are the ruminations stemming from filmography that tap into the most primal human experiences that occur within the shell of architecture and the urban fabric. The Nora Ephron classic: You’ve Got Mail, The South-Indian Tamil film: Mouna Ragam, and finally The underrated Studio Ghibli gem: Whisper of the Heart are explored in this piece.
You’ve Got Mail
You’ve Got Mail, released in the year 1998 – a couple of years before the turn of the century – is a romantic comedy that departed from the conventional idea of the genre, making a subject out of the quaint and cozy mom-and-pop bookstore called Shop Around The Corner, in New York City. This shop played a titular role in dividing and then subsequently uniting the main protagonists, and in between these moments, became the spoils of gentrification.
Urban Cacophony:
The Dynamism and excitement of living in the metropolis are expertly conveyed with the Urban energy that serves as a loud backdrop for the story’s narrative. It’s an immersive experience for viewers to see Meg Ryan – one of the protagonists – walk through the bustling streets, past crowded cafes, and quintessential New York markets, to each her place of business around a corner of a street. The film adeptly portrays the constant movement and activity that typically characterizes this ‘city that never sleeps’. The visual experience is further combatted with the sounds: Honking yellow taxis, chatter of pedestrians, and the general din of the city becomes a central element.
The nostalgia that the city offers in the film is a glimpse of a bygone era where people immersed themselves in experiencing their day without the aid of technology. You find people going to work looking up at the sky to gauge if they are expecting summer showers; colleagues meet at crossroads and walk together in deep conversation, uninterrupted by phone notifications. ‘Getting some fresh air’ is a sentiment now associated with ‘taking a break’ as opposed to the normal way of life that people in the early 2000s followed.
Architectural diversity and Seasonal shifts:
This film showcases architectural diversity in New York City, juxtaposing the glimmering skyscrapers with the charm of brownstone buildings. The iconic skyline looms large constantly reinforcing the scale of the film, and illuminating the familiarity of being a speck in the city fabric; finding comfort in the solitude of a crowd, as only New York City could provide. This film personifies the age-old contradiction of modernity and tradition, which adds depth to the film’s portrayal of the city, underscoring the rich cultural and architectural diversity of the city. The architectural landscape enhances the movie experience, reflecting the tapestry of styles and influences that define New York’s built environment.
The seasonal transformation of the city is yet another strong element of the movie. The vibrant warm hues of autumn to the glistening snowfall of winter streets, show the ever-evolving charm of the city. These seasonal shifts run parallel to the story arcs and imbue the viewers with a sense of the cyclical nature of life. The symbolic role it plays mirrors the expectations of the audience; waiting for the warmth of spring while trudging along the icy lanes of winter.
Gentrification woes:
A common sentiment in recent years that was portrayed in this cult classic, is that of the challenges faced by small, independent businesses that corporations invade. The character played by Tom Hanks represents a large bookstore chain that threatens the livelihoods of smaller bookstores, including the one owned by Meg Ryan. This narrative arc shows the real-world concerns about gentrification that are unavoidable and thus an irreparable loss to communities. The economic displacement and cultural homogenization that overshadows these local establishments are depicted in this film highlighting the tensions between corporate interest and community wellbeing
The sense of loss portrayed in this film of disappearing facades and changing streetscapes is resonant with real-life changes ensuing in the world. Through scenes of shuttered shops and closed-down windows, the film evokes a palpable sense of nostalgia for a vanishing era of neighborhood charm and character. Similar to the heartwrenching tragedy of knowing one’s favorite library or local diner is closing down for good. The loss symbolizes the erosion of community identity and the loss of cherished landmarks.
Emotional resonance:
Over the entire course of the film, there is an inherent sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. The characters navigate the abundant hurdles of modernity and struggle with feelings of yearning for a slower pace of lifestyle. A time when communication hinged on keen expectation over a pudgy laptop and not urgency of immediate responses over cellphones.
The ’bittersweet nostalgia’ resonates with the audience as they collectively mourn the closing down of the charming bookshop, relating to the invasive nature of homogenization of city fabric.
Mouna Ragam:
Mouna Ragam, the Tamil film directed by the auteur Mani Ratnam, released in the year 1986 is a melodramatic film that explores the relationships of the female protagonist, throwing light on the agency of a woman’s life and autonomy over the choices she made. The setting moves between Chennai and the capital city of India, Delhi. The scales of the architectural setting oscillate between the urban place-makers of the two cities and the domesticity of homes.
Architectural diversity and heritage:
The film showcases a range of architectural styles coexisting within Chennai’s (Madras) landscape. Through scenes depicting the bustling streets of the metropolis, viewers can observe colonial-era buildings with their distinctive facades and detailing. The scenes featuring wet streets adjacent to bus stops during monsoon, and colonial buildings acting as the canvas for the staccato conversations between characters are some highlights that capture the remnants of Chennai’s past. The film paved the way for nostalgia in the way the light catches the brick facade and the vision of spatial forms engaging with people as opposed to being treated like relics.
Cozy interiors:
Mouna Ragam portrays various scenes that show cozy interiors of the character’s homes; particularly in scenes where the female protagonist is interacting with her family members. Many scenes show the family gathered in the living room, with soft lighting and furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It appears as organic as that of an ordinary south-Indian household in the late 80’s. This setting naturally evokes a sense of nostalgia for viewers, reflecting the familiar comforts of home and the natural intimacy of a family living under the same roof. Interior also hosts parties and events, and they are depicted with such affection and vitality, as guests mingle and share stories over homemade snacks in the portoganists’ homes.
Family meals:
Throughout the entire duration of the film, family meals are depicted, where the characters come together to share food and exchange dialogues. The dining table becomes pivotal in this manner, where the sound of clinking utensils and food becoming a conversation starter is witnessed. A meal becomes the source of camaraderie and warmth despite underlying tensions and conflict. These moments were layered with the complexity of modern domesticity in urbane life; infusion of deep nostalgia for the common denominator of any era – congregation and sense of togetherness. The several moments of domesticity serve to ground the film in the routines of everyday life, contributing to the nostalgic notion.
Quiet moments at home:
Homes act as repositories for memories. Many memories stem from the ordinary everyday routines that people generally do not ponder over. Mouna Ragam is a stellar example of Architectural influence in cinema. The film includes various scenes that celebrate silence. They capture quiet moments of reflection and introspection within a home. The protagonists are often shown deep in thought, lounging on the floor seaters, or lying on the coffee table, contemplating their dilemmas. The architectural envelope all but embraces the characters with their warm hues and minimalistic interior decor. The clean canvas of plaster finish, wood furnishing, Ratan dining table, bespoke holstered seating, and unique mural paintings, offer the setting of a well-curated home; yet not entirely removed from the actual appearance of a small Tamil Bungalow of the time. The quiet intimacy of these scenes, coupled with the house tour the viewers get through musical scores, induce a sense of familiarity for the house no one has ventured to yet feel at home with on screen.
The architectural details in this film depict the simplicity and intimacy of past generations, where homes served as long-lasting reminders of long-gone lifestyles and cultural traditions; prompting viewers to ponder over the time gone and never to return.
Whisper of the Heart
Whisper Of The Heart, released in the year 1995 is a coming-of-age Studio Ghibli animated masterpiece, that explores the individual life of a preteen girl who discovers childhood love and the sparks of ambition toward her unique dream that is powered by the experiences she garners along the way. Tokyo’s cityscape of undulations; uptown and downtown plays a crucial role in traveling with the protagonists’ relatable journey of self-discovery.
Urban solitude and introspection:
Throughout the entire film, viewers are treated to small moments of quiet as Shizuku – the protagonist – is in deep contemplation, navigating the alleyways in her neighborhood. Many of the alleys depart from the hustle and bustle of the main roads and are lined with traditional shops and lanterns, serving as an escape for side quests as children often go on tangential detours to explore. The entire experience of the film transports adults to their childhood familiarity of creeping up on little curiosities in their gullies and streets.
Personal nostalgia:
Shizuku can be seen frequenting an antique thrifting store, a quaint bakery, and other such charming haunts. As she aimlessly wanders upon gem after gem in her journey, this aimless jaunt evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and reminiscence in young adults; yearning to go back to a simpler time of navigating the streetscapes with no particular stop. The ambiance of nostalgia in these scenes resonates with the viewers, prompting them to remember their childhood memories.
The result of built influences
The nostalgia experienced through cinematic avenues is shaped and modeled through the architectural and urban fabric of their settings. The three cinematic examples stand testament to the extent of the spatial form’s influence on story-telling and imprinting lasting emotions in the viewer. These films offer the potential to immerse the viewer into their world through relatable references to reality; be it within the four walls of a home, the cozy corners of a local bookshop, or even through the colorful scenes of an animated film where one projects oneself in the streets of Tokyo overlooking a glorious sunset, previously never experienced.
References:
- Cineguides. You’ve Got Mail (199) Filming Locations. Available at: https://www.cineguides.com/youve-got-mail-1998-filming-locations [Accessed date: 03/03/2024].
- Hess. A (2018) ‘You’ve Got Mail’ Is Secretly a Tragedy, Too. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/19/movies/youve-got-mail.html [Accessed date: 03/03/2024].
- Wilson, H. (2015) Mouna Ragam (1986) Available at: https://cinemachaat.com/2015/02/02/mouna-ragam-1986/ [Accessed date: 03/03/2024].
- Bollyviewer (2008) Mouna Ragam (1986) Available at: https://bollyviewer-oldisgold.blogspot.com/2008/07/mouna-raagam-1986.html [Accessed date: 03/03/2024].
- ChroniclesInFilm (2017) DVD Review: Whisper Of The Heart (Mimi wo sumaseba) Available at: https://chroniclesinfilm.com/2017/04/16/dvd-review-whisper-of-the-heart-mimi-wo-sumaseba/ [Accessed date: 03/03/2024].
- Jaysen (2016) Whisper Of The Heart. Available at: https://jaysenheadleywrites.com/2016/10/30/vault-ghibli-10-whisper-of-the-heart/ [Accessed date: 03/03/2024].
